Amphibian mouth rot is known to be caused by a bacterial infection of one of the following: Flexibacter coulmnaris, Aeromonas hydrophilia, or Pseudomonas vectors. If not treated properly can cause death to the amphibian. Mouth rot causes the mouth to rot from the inside out and is capable of causing tumors, which can lead to cancerous cells.
There are many symptoms to amphibian mouth rot. The amphibian will have a loss in their appetite or have a difficult time eating. They may display pus-pockets in or around their mouth and jaw, which will cause the amphibian to have a difficult time closing their mouth. The pus-pockets will appear as a yellowish area in and around the mouth. Mouth rot also gives off a foul or very odorous smell from the mouth. As the mouth rot progresses, it causes erosion and deformities of the skin in and around the mouth and/or jaw. Where there is any open sore is visible are signs of the infection spreading throughout the amphibian’s body. This disease can be fatal if not treated properly.
Mouth rot on the amphibian is treatable if caught early enough. Using betadine, cleanse the amphibian’s mouth. A bath solution mixed with a medication, used by fish, called finrot, is used by putting 5 drops to a pint of water. You will need to soak the amphibian two times daily for at least 5 minutes. Gently remove and discard any material that becomes loose during this cleaning process. This way the amphibian does not eat the infected debris and become more ill. After the soak, apply an antibiotic given to you by the veterinarian. You will need to see your veterinarian if the infection worsens, he or she will give your pet an antibiotic injection. Also the veterinarian may have to culture the infection to find out what bacteria is that is actually causing the infection, and to find the best medical treatment for your amphibian. If there are lumps or tumors the veterinarian will also test to see if the amphibian has progressed to cancer.
Mouth rot is a painful and a big irritation for your pet. With the proper care and treatment mouth rot will go away. If you spot any irregularities in the mouth or jaw area or as soon as you notice any problems with your pet call your veterinarian to get an antibiotic and proper care instructions. Proper nutrition, care, handling and maintenance of your amphibian may prevent amphibian mouth rot. Taking the precautions for this or any other disease will give your amphibian the best quality and longevity of life.
